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Taking a look at a couple of Patriots kickoff formations.
I chose to pick a few kickoff from the Patriots vs Texans games in week 3 because it had kickoffs that resulted in turnovers, typical returns and touchbacks. Thought we could see how the Patriots handled each.
Basic Special Teams concepts: Coach Chuckman (Interesting stuff)
Patriots vs Texans: Opening kickoff - No Return:
Black = general path used for containment.
Blue = The path the ball was kicked. (Except first screenshot.)
Red = The path a player responsible for the tackle or forced fumble.
1. This was the opening kickoff and seemed to be purposely kicked to the back of the endzone.
2. Notice the Texan player (Corey More) at the top of their formation basically launching himself to take out one of the Patriots. He misses.
Screenshot: I've tried to plot how the Patriots maintained containment.
Video: Kick off No Return:
Patriots vs Texans: Kickoff - Forced Fumble
Screenshot;
1. Notice the players are lined up differently than in the opening kickoff. IOW Slater, Ebner et al do not line up in the same position each kickoff. I believe that's for matchup purposes.
2. The Texans lined exactly the same way and used the same blocking scheme during the first two kickoffs.
3. Watch the path Brandon Bolden takes during the kickoff. He splits two defenders and forces the fumble. Good stuff.
4. Texan's Corey More launches himself again during this kickoff. Is that legal? It looks like he left his feet.
Video:
Patriots vs Texans: Kickoff with return:
1. The Patriots not only shift where their players line up they also split their left side coverage into two groups. Notice the gap between 36 and 81.
2. 51 Mingo ends up making the tackle.
3. The Texans used the same formation but with a different blocking scheme. They also replaced the kick returner who fumbled during the previous kickoff.
Screenshot:
Video:
After going through more kickoff footage I realized I had missed one major key element. Tackling.
I wanted to add a few Tackling related stats.
Special Teams Forced Fumbles. Patriots led the league in forced fumble recoveries.
NFL Football Player Stats & Stats Leaders - Special Teams Fumble Recoveries
Special Teams Tackles: Nate Ebner led the league in Special Team Tackles.
Tackling Skills Matter:
Nate Ebner gets his helmet on the ball and forces a fumble.
Branden Bolden "Punches" the at the ball and forces a fumble.
Ok there you have it. Any thoughts, corrections or criticisms are appreciated.
@Ian - please let me know if this is within the guidelines. Thanks
Edited to clean up the thread's layout.
Edited May 6 to add Special Teams Forced Fumble chart.
I chose to pick a few kickoff from the Patriots vs Texans games in week 3 because it had kickoffs that resulted in turnovers, typical returns and touchbacks. Thought we could see how the Patriots handled each.
Basic Special Teams concepts: Coach Chuckman (Interesting stuff)
Patriots vs Texans: Opening kickoff - No Return:
Black = general path used for containment.
Blue = The path the ball was kicked. (Except first screenshot.)
Red = The path a player responsible for the tackle or forced fumble.
1. This was the opening kickoff and seemed to be purposely kicked to the back of the endzone.
2. Notice the Texan player (Corey More) at the top of their formation basically launching himself to take out one of the Patriots. He misses.
Screenshot: I've tried to plot how the Patriots maintained containment.
Video: Kick off No Return:
Patriots vs Texans: Kickoff - Forced Fumble
Screenshot;
1. Notice the players are lined up differently than in the opening kickoff. IOW Slater, Ebner et al do not line up in the same position each kickoff. I believe that's for matchup purposes.
2. The Texans lined exactly the same way and used the same blocking scheme during the first two kickoffs.
3. Watch the path Brandon Bolden takes during the kickoff. He splits two defenders and forces the fumble. Good stuff.
4. Texan's Corey More launches himself again during this kickoff. Is that legal? It looks like he left his feet.
Video:
Patriots vs Texans: Kickoff with return:
1. The Patriots not only shift where their players line up they also split their left side coverage into two groups. Notice the gap between 36 and 81.
2. 51 Mingo ends up making the tackle.
3. The Texans used the same formation but with a different blocking scheme. They also replaced the kick returner who fumbled during the previous kickoff.
Screenshot:
Video:
After going through more kickoff footage I realized I had missed one major key element. Tackling.
I wanted to add a few Tackling related stats.
Special Teams Forced Fumbles. Patriots led the league in forced fumble recoveries.
NFL Football Player Stats & Stats Leaders - Special Teams Fumble Recoveries
Special Teams Tackles: Nate Ebner led the league in Special Team Tackles.
Tackling Skills Matter:
Nate Ebner gets his helmet on the ball and forces a fumble.
Branden Bolden "Punches" the at the ball and forces a fumble.
Ok there you have it. Any thoughts, corrections or criticisms are appreciated.
@Ian - please let me know if this is within the guidelines. Thanks
Edited to clean up the thread's layout.
Edited May 6 to add Special Teams Forced Fumble chart.
Last edited: